Immunotherapeutics & Novel Therapies

Immunohistochemistry

IHC, or Immunohistochemistry, is a special staining process performed on fresh or frozen breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy. IHC is used to show whether or not the cancer cells have HER2 receptors and/or hormone receptors on their surface. This information plays a critical role in treatment planning. A positive test result means that the laboratory found a particular change in the proteins of your tumor. This means that it is possible that you have an inherited genetic condition and further genetic testing is recommended. For example, IHC is routinely used to check for estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells. Patients whose cells have these receptors are likely to benefit from hormone therapy drugs, which block the production or effects of estrogens.